Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2018
945. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the number of spot checks on capital projects in each of the past four years under the sports capital programme; the number of those checked by year that raised concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45861/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraSpot-checks in relation to the Sports Capital Programme (SCP) are carried out in accordance with the relevant Department of Finance Guidelines and are carried out by the Finance Unit of my Department. Checks are undertaken in respect of payments made in the previous year so visits undertaken in 2017 related to payments made in 2016. The checks are primarily designed to ensure that the work undertaken by grantees is consistent with that indicated in the grant award, ensure that payments were paid correctly and in a timely manner, and that appropriate insurance is in place for grant aided facilities. The inspections are also used to obtain feedback from grantees on the Sports Capital Programme.
In relation to the inspections carried out in the last four years, the information sought by the Deputy is set out in the table below.
|
Year of Spot-check inspection |
Number of checks (on payments from previous year) |
Number of concerns raised |
|
2014 |
11 |
3 |
|
2015 |
13 |
0 |
|
2016 |
14 |
3 |
|
2017 |
19 |
0 |
In relation to issues of concern, most were of a minor nature and included lack of adequate insurance on the day of the inspection, lack of appropriate disabled access and a delay in installing material funded by the Department. Following subsequent liaison with the grantees in question, in all of these minor cases the matters were resolved to the satisfaction of the Department.
One case related to the lack of evidence of payment to the contractors. This case was examined under the Department's procedures for dealing with cases of non-compliance with the terms and conditions of the SCP. Upon conclusion of this examination, the club was banned from making future applications for a period of 24 months and the matter was passed on to the Gardaí for their attention and appropriate action.
